I recently read the first new book in this series and thoroughly enjoyed it so was pleased to be able to pick up where we left off and see what happened next! The two characters couldn't be more different and that's what makes them very enjoyable to read about. Blake Claremont is a young woman who in book one reappeared at her family home following a long period of being away. She is a feisty character that really does have her own mind and trust literally about two people! This latest book sees her living on the streets, which at first I didn't understand but it soon all became clear.

Blake is determined to find out what happened to Shannon who was one of the few people that made sure Blake was okay. Now Shannon is dead and Blake feels an intense sense of loyalty to find out what is going on and why. On the other end of the spectrum Detective John Byron is now working in a specific role looking into potential police corruption.

This latest book delves into a world where the homeless are being victimised in a terrible way but with Blake not giving an inch, god help them all! Both Blake and John are brilliant characters and I especially love Blakes friend Lex Vaganov! Between Lex and John's old boss Shamshi Daud they make an awesome team. This whole book and storyline I thoroughly enjoyed and I cannot wait to see where the series goes.

4.5⭐

This is an intriguing story and not the standard police procedural I was expecting. Which was a nice surprise.

As main characters Blake and Byron aren't your average detectives in fact they aren't really detectives.

At least Byron isn't anymore. But he was and has now taken on a special role for the Met and after an unforgettable first encounter with Blake. He's desperate to see her again.

Only he's shocked to learn she's back living on the streets. But there is an explanation for this. As Blake is trying to hunt down a young girl, she believes can help solve the death of an old friend. A death Blake is sure the local police have played a role in.

Which is how Byron and his new job come into play.

And with twists, edge-of-your-seat action and interesting characters. Who share more than a superficial connection. This was an utterly enjoyable and engaging read. That easily kept me reading long into the night and I'd definitely read more from this series and author in the future.

Sharp intricately weaves a tale of desperation, loyalty, and retribution through the gritty streets of the city, a setting that is as much a character as Blake and Shannon themselves. The narrative expertly balances emotional depth with relentless pacing, ensuring that readers are both moved and enthralled. Blake, a survivor of the harsh realities of street life, embodies resilience and a fierce sense of justice. Her journey from a beneficiary of Shannon’s kindness to the avenger of her death is compelling and richly developed. I love that this novel puts homelessness in the spotlight!

The partnership between Blake and Detective John Byron adds a dynamic layer to the investigation, blending Blake's street-smarts with Byron's investigative acumen. This alliance is pivotal as they delve into a sinister world where individuals vanish without a trace, and the value of a life is tragically underestimated by those lurking in the shadows. The book draws readers into a world where the line between right and wrong blurs in the quest for justice.

Zoe Sharp can write. I can think of few authors who are equal to her brand of slow burn mysteries or excitement from a thriller’s first page. The Girl in the Dark (Blake and Byron Thrillers #2) is somewhere in the middle between a thriller and a mystery.
It’s been six months since John Byron and Blake Claremont met in the first book of this series., The Last Time She Died . Byron has been on medical leave since his heroic and tragic efforts in ending a terrorist attack two years ago. Byron had been asked to investigate a con artist, Blake Claremont, since he was in the area where she popped up. It’s not necessary to read this first, as The Girl in the Dark works fine as a standalone, however, you would be doing yourself a great disservice if you did not read it in the future.
Byron has decided he is not going back to London’s MET even though he was a well-respected Detective Superintendent. Instead, he has been talked into working for the IOPC, the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Byron’s brief is to discreetly investigate complaints against the police, prior to the IOPC opening a major case file and wasting time on spurious complaints.
Byron has a notification set up in case Blake ever has interaction with the police. She is arrested when the police pull a raid in a decrepit abandoned building where so many homeless are trying to sleep. This is the first time Byron has been able to contact Blake and he is appalled that she is back to living rough again.
Blake is investigating the suspicious death of Shannon, the woman who took Blake in hand after she hit the streets ten years ago. Shannon helped Blake, a naïve and broken fifteen-year-old survive living rough. Blake also feels honor bound to locate a fifteen-year-old, Kensey, who Shannon had recently taken under her wing.
London's homeless community is large, so this has been a difficult and fruit-less task until recently. Shannon might have been severely injured while in police custody so Blake and Byron find themselves working together once again. Byron investigating possible police misconduct and Blake trying to locate Kensy.
Sharp doesn’t pull any punches. She doesn’t try to pretty up the reality of her settings. This time Sharp explores living rough and police misconduct. Fair warning don’t get to attached to any one character. This applies to any of Sharp's books so is not a spoiler.
Zoe presents a grim reality in her setting and backgrounds. The plots are a different kettle of fish, Sharp writes imaginative stories presenting chilling “what ifs”. The Girl in the Dark reminds us of a life we prefer to think of as invisible.
There are several points of view, drawing the reader deeper and deeper into the story. This isn’t always comfortable to read.
Maybe its because I’m old, but I truly dislike when main character’s names are so similar.
I remember so many of Zoe Sharp’s books extremely well despite the many years it’s been since I have read some of them. Sharp’s books stick. I have no doubt The Girl in the Dark will be with me for a long time to come.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC. Opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed The Last Time She Died. To have the opportunity to read and review The Girl in the Dark book two in the Blake and Byron series by Zoë Sharp was exciting for me.
A totally unputdownable crime thriller with a crazy twist.
Sharp has given us some great characters, intriguing plot, and amazing storyline.
I was completely hooked. I read the entire thing in one day.
A slow burn mystery that is compelling and entertaining.
I’m excited to see if we will have a third book.

Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I was totally blown away by this book .... it is so real and just shows how cruel this world really is!

Shannon, who helped blake in her darkest hours is not dead. Blake and John tried so hard to solve the mystery behind her death. The relationship between the two was amazing.

This is a fast packed thriller with twists and turns. Action packed with a great plot i will recommend this author and this book.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

“You always have a choice. You choose to give up or you choose to keep trying.”

This maxim is so difficult to put into practice when one is "living rough," Brit-speak for being homeless. Because while we are centuries past the bleakness of Dickens’ London, the streets have not become any gentler or kinder to the unhoused of the 21st century.

Shannon Clifford staggered into Tess at Watney Market before dying in front of Tess. At the time of Shannon's demise, she had reeked of alcohol and she had claimed "no fixed abode" as her address. But ten years ago, Shannon was a recovering alcoholic who had an apartment; and she had performed heroically to save a homeless teenager from being kidnapped.

“If ever I can do anything for you, you only have to ask, and I'm there. I swear it.”

In gratitude to her rescuer, Blake Claremont voiced an earnest promise. Upon learning of Shannon's unexpected death, Blake is willing to go to any lengths to find the truth surrounding her final moments. But more importantly, the dead woman had a last request for Blake to honor. Most people would leave investigations to the police, but Blake is not most people.

“... a former teenage runaway ... quite possibly a con artist -- she certainly consorts with some dodgy people and is currently living on the streets.”

Former Detective Superintendent John Byron remains both physically and psychically scarred from the events of two years ago. But he can't stop thinking of Blake after meeting her six months previously in The Last Time She Died. Byron disapproves of Blake's investigative methods but she's truly an independent agent. In his official capacity, he initiates his own inquiry and faces obstruction from all corners.

“In Byron's experience, being smaller, faster and meaner, usually won the day. It was quite possibly the reason he was still alive.”

So when the official channels close, only the unofficial options remain. Perhaps there is a method to Blake's madness.

The Girl in the Dark is the second in a planned trilogy involving Blake Claremont and John Byron. This installment is set six months after the events of the fantastic debut novel - The Last Time She Died. I wouldn't say it's necessary to have read the previous book but, of course, it would help to have familiarity with the two protagonists. As more than a couple of years have elapsed between the two books, I don't recall the details of the introductory story so I believe that this can be read as a standalone.

I'm a tremendous fan of Zoë Sharp's Charlie Fox series, as Charlie is my top favorite female protagonist in crime fiction. I can count upon Sharp for intriguing female leads, clever mysteries, and unpredictable plot twists. The enigmatic Blake has some mad skills and is hiding many secrets, including an omniscient and shadowy godfather-like figure. Sharp returns to one of her favorite themes - gender politics - and injects a subversive concept too. While I enjoyed the first novel more, this nonetheless kept me up all hours in a race to the finish line.

As a side note, I'm not a fan of the title. It smacks of that generic naming trend now prevalent in domestic thrillers. While this did require a little suspension of disbelief, Blake and Byron elevate The Girl in the Dark beyond the caliber typical of their genre.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this advanced reader copy. Quotations are from an unpublished proof and may differ from the final version. The publication date is March 22, 2024.

The Girl in the Dark Zoë Sharp is the 2nd in the Blake and Byron crime series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
John Byron, in his mid-30's was a Detective, but went on medical leave after the death of his wife and his own injuries in a terrorist attack.  He is now an Investigator for  the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Blake Claremont is a con artist who grew up on the streets.  Two very different people, working together.


My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions):
Blake's friend Shannon is dead, and she wanted Blake to look after Kensey if something happened to her.  However, finding Kensey on the streets will mean Blake has to return to them.  But she will do what she can, because Shannon saved her many years ago.

Byron also starts an investigation into Shannon's death, because there seems to be a link to the police station where she had been held shortly before she died.

Street people often go missing, but lately there seems to be more.  When a second body turns up who was also part of the shelter that Shannon stayed at, both Blake and Byron start investigating the shelter. With the help of Lex, and Commander Shamshi Daud,  they are determined to find out what is going on.



My Opinions:
Again, I am really enjoying this series.   The characters are intriguing, and the mixture between them is rather unique.

The writing is good, and the story flowed well.

The book centered on two main topics.  The homeless crisis, and police corruption.  While I'm not really a fan of books about police corruption, it looks like this series is headed in that direction, and it somewhat disappoints me.  I am hoping the characters, who I am becoming more invested in, will keep me interested.  I don't even mind the romance angle.

I am looking forward to the 3rd book...and I'll make my decision then.

Gut-wrenching and raw. Gripping thriller with dark reality of the cruel world. Shannon, who had helped Blake in her tough times, is dead. Now, Blake and detective John tried to solve the mystery behind her death. Blake is smart and brave but always puts herself in dangerous situations. John helped her in every way he could. Their relationship is lovely. Fast paced. Shocking twists and mystery. Crimes on the streets, regarding homeless people, are depicted in a realistic manner. Action packed and fast-paced with excellent climax. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Girl in the Dark, the second novel to feature newly appointed IOPC investigator John Byron and Blake Claremont, who suits herself, set in London.

A woman called Shannon, an advocate for the homeless, drops dead in the street after uttering one word “Blake”. Shannon helped Blake when she was on the streets and now Blake is determined to finish Shannon’s mission of exposing those who are exploiting the homeless and making some of them disappear.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl in the Dark, which is a deeper read than many with a compulsive plot that shines a light on the plight of the homeless. At the same time there are enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages and absorbed in Byron and Blake’s activities.

This is a relatively long novel, but the read flies by as it is chock full of developments and reveals that gradually play out as the novel progresses. It starts with the death of Shannon, but soon widens into a much larger scenario with another murder and more than one close shave for Blake. Byron takes the traditional role of IOPC detective as Shannon died after being released from custody, while Blake takes a more maverick approach by infiltrating the homeless community and the associated charities. Their paths diverge until solid facts bring their investigations together.

Blake is the main player in the novel with more of the narrative and action, while Byron plugs away in the background. They are not, however, alone as several other characters with skin in the game give their viewpoint. Quite often I don’t like the chopping and changing of perspective as it does offer an immersive read, but in this case it works really well with each character having something to add when turned to.

The Girl in the Dark is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The Girl In the Dark by Zoe Sharp, published by Bookouture
This was a 2nd book in a series, although I had not read the first, I really enjoyed this novel. It has a great plot, description of serring was great, loved the characters. It was an action packed read and I never wanted to put this book down.
This author is now on my TBR list, I will be watching for the next book in this series

There were several good elements in this book, for example I find it a good thing that the book was a bout people living rough, the challenges on the streets, moving on, people being abused... these things should be acknowledged more in fiction. There were quite a lot of characters in the book, and at times I have a hard time keeping up with who is who. The book felt a bit too long, I would have preferred it to be a bit shorter. I felt like it was not moving forward at times. Towards the end the pace got a lot better.

An intriguing story over all, but I somehow had a hard time to keep my focus on the story.

I LOVED this book. I didn't know that it was the second in a series. It stands on it's own but now I need to go back and read the first one so I learn more about Blake.

A woman dies. Her name is Shannon. Shannon saved Blake when Blake was young and on her own and Blake is determined to find out what happened. Shannon knew that people were going missing and she was going to find out why.

There are really bad people in this world that take advantage of others misfortunes to satisfy their own needs. With the assistance of John Byron, Blake puts herself in danger to help a young girl who Shannon was also helping navigate the streets.

The action is non stop and so will your reading of this really good book. I don't give a lot of 5 star reviews but for this book, I did.

This is such a must read! It's such an original story with a really unique setting and backstop. I loved that it she'd light on a part of society that usually goes ignored and provides such a compelling take on some of the issues faced. The characters are so well written they're almost climbing off the pages and even the support characters are complex and 3 dimensional. Tension is built throughout and I just couldn't put it down. Amazing!

The second book in the series has us wondering what Blake is going to get into next. She gets in dangerous situation to protect the people she cares about. She meets up with John Bryon, a retired police detective we got to know in the first book.
The storyline focuses on the homeless. The story highlights the discrimination and abuse the homeless go through.
The mystery aspect was intriguing with plenty of suspenseful moments to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Overall, compelling crime suspense thriller.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

"The Girl in the Dark," the second book in the Blake & Byron series by Zoë Sharp, delivers an engaging and enjoyable read. After getting access to an advanced copy, I read the first book to set the scene and help understand the backstory, but this book can definitely stand on its own due to plenty of recap.

The story was set in the gritty backdrop of London's homeless community, the novel follows former detective John Byron as he investigates suspected police corruption, only to find himself entangled with Blake, a young woman with a troubled past. The dynamic between Blake and Byron is a highlight and builds tension as the novel progresses, with their complex relationship adding depth to the narrative. Their investigation into the exploitation of vulnerable homeless individuals leads them down a dark and dangerous path, uncovering shocking truths along the way. Sharp's adept character development and compelling writing style keep the reader invested until the end. The exploration of timely issues such as homelessness and police corruption adds an extra layer of depth to the story.

Overall, "The Girl in the Dark" is a gripping crime thriller that I read quickly - I’m looking forward to the next instalment in the series to see how the relationships develop.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy.

The Girl in the Dark is the second book in the Blake & Byron crime fiction series, about a young woman with a difficult past and her friend, a damaged former detective. This follows on from The Last Time She Died, which was published in 2021 - too long ago for me to remember much of the plot, but fortunately there was enough recap of the essentials that this one would work as a standalone for those who haven’t read the first instalment. This was another solid crime story by an accomplished writer, although without quite the same level of suspense and twists as the first book.

Ex London Met detective John Byron has been appointed to a special role looking into suspected police corruption. When a homeless woman dies not long after being arrested, he investigates the officers involved, but is disturbed to discover that Blake, whom he has been unable to forget since their last meeting, is connected to the crime and has gone undercover amongst London’s unhoused community. Can they put their mutual suspicion aside to find out what happened?

Zoë Sharp is one of my favourite authors so I was delighted to be approved for this review copy, as I had been wondering when her next book would appear. I like both central characters here, and the will they/won’t they tension between them was well done. Some of the most intriguing support personalities from the first book, like Lex and Commander Daud also return. The book explores the issue of the exploitation of vulnerable homeless people by those who are meant to be helping them in a sympathetic way. I was hoping for more of a surprise as to the identity of the perpetrators - I probably read too much of this genre so saw the twists coming, and found the ending a little abrupt, but overall enjoyed it and look forward to the next one.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC, all opinions are my own. The Girl in the Dark is published on March 22nd 2024.

The Girl In The Dark is the second book in the Blake & Byron Thrillers series by British author, Zoë Sharp. Six months after their first encounter in Derbyshire, Blake Claremont is quite annoyed when former Detective Superintendent John Byron almost ruins the cover she has spent weeks crafting. Blake has been detained during a raid on homeless people living in a derelict Limehouse building, and Byron is genuinely concerned for her welfare.

Blake explains that she is searching for a teen named Kensy, who was in the care of Shannon Clifford until she died. Shannon helped Blake survive the streets when she was a teen, and her death was poorly investigated, perhaps because the Limehouse police may bear some responsibility for it. In his new role as Special Investigator for the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Byron assures Blake he will look into her death.

Blake can’t let it go, though: it was Shannon’s last wish that she look after Kensy. And Shannon was also worried about homeless teens going missing. Some of those rough sleepers that Blake encounters are very suspicious of Kinfolk, a charity fronted by a celebrity chef and her husband, a breakfast show host with political ambitions.

The organisation seems to target the especially vulnerable homeless, those wary of the police (like the young woman who witnessed Shannon’s death), those on the run, or those with something to hide, offering food, shelter and work, and help accessing their entitlements. But is it all above board?

Sharp’s protagonists are appealing: smart, talented, but also flawed, and it is interesting to see them developing as the series progresses. Their dialogue is snappy and often entertaining. The wary, often quirky, rough sleepers, and other support cast, are believably portrayed, but it doesn’t do to get too attached to all the characters as, a bit in the manner of Mick Herron, Sharp tends to kill off quite a few of them, some in a very grisly manner. Blake does seem to keep putting herself in danger: will Byron ever get used to it?

This second instalment is cleverly plotted with plenty of action to keep readers captivated right up to a nail-biting climax (or two). It features topical themes: exploitation of the homeless as slave labour, black kitchens, and the unsympathetic attitudes of government and police to rough sleepers. More of this cast in the third instalment will be very welcome. Brilliant British crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Bookouture.

Dark. Reality. Good vs Evil. Great twists - very unexpected.
Blake's friend, Shannon, is found dead. Ruled accidental death due to alcohol and drug use, Blake knows it's a coverup. Determined to prove her friend was murdered, Blake enters the world of the homeless. Searching for Shannon's latest young woman she was trying to save from the streets, Blake enters a local charity with a reputation of disappearing people.
Byron can't help but become embroiled, his attraction to Blake growing as he discovers corruption and fraud.
Excellent read!

When Blakes friend Shannon dies under what seems a straightforward death she knows something isn't right. She goes undercover to try and infiltrate the last place that she had been to try and find out what really happened.
She soon finds out that she can't trust some senior high up people and along with the help of a few other people that she trusts with her life they help her to get the bottom of what really happened to her friend.
I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next instalment.